Grand Central Bakery ignited a bread revolution in 1989 by introducing rustic artisan loaves to Northwest tables. Values are at the heart of our company and sustainability touches everything we do - from where we buy ingredients to how we care for our employees and invest in our communities. A Certified B Corporation, Grand Central Bakery is part of a global movement of organizations using business as a force for good.

Title: Payroll & Accounting Specialist

Job summary: The Payroll & Accounting Specialist combines payroll operations, accounting, and financial data expertise to deliver accurate, compliant, and employee-focused payroll services support in support of Grand Central Bakery’s mission to serve our customers delicious, authentic food made from high quality local and sustainable ingredients. The position owns end-to-end payroll processing, ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, serves as the subject matter expert for payroll systems. The Payroll & Accounting Specialist supports payroll accounting, reconciliations, reporting, and financial analysis that informs month-end close and operational decision-making. Success requires strong analytical skills, sound judgment with confidential information, and a commitment to exceptional employee service while partnering cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and Operations.

Location: This position works on site in either Portland, Oregon or Seattle, Washington.

Compensation: $36.05/hour

Schedule Requirements: As a full-time hourly employee, the Payroll and Accounting Specialist typically works 5 days a week with flexibility to adjust schedule around special projects and may be required to work extra hours and/or days on an irregular basis due to unforeseen circumstances and emergencies.

Essential job responsibilities: 

Payroll & Benefits 

• Own the processing of accurate and timely payroll each pay period, including review and validation of timekeeping records (hours worked, overtime, tips, pay rates, premiums), and processing adjustments such as bonuses, reimbursements, retro pay, and garnishments.  

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee and agency inquiries related to pay, taxes, deductions, and employment verification. 

• Administer garnishments by responding to agencies and ensuring accurate setup and processing within the payroll system. 

• Record payroll transactions, prepare journal entries, and reconcile payroll and benefits accounts to the general ledger. 

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax and wage-and-hour regulations; manage payroll tax filings, withholdings, workers’ compensation reporting, and year-end requirements 

• Process assigned monthly benefit vendor payments, including health plans, workers’ compensation (SAIF, L&I), payroll fees, union dues, and retirement plans. Reconcile monthly payroll and benefits accounts and investigate and resolve discrepancies with vendors and internal records. 

• Support audits, 401(k) compliance testing, Form 5500 filings, and regulatory reporting. 

• Provide guidance to managers and employees on payroll, timekeeping, and related policies and procedures; participate in payroll and timekeeping system configuration and maintenance. Support troubleshooting and system fixes.  

• Respond to federal, state, and local information requests and surveys, including BLS, DOL, MWSR, and other regulatory agencies. 

• Prepare payroll, labor, and benefits reports for Finance and Operations leadership while ensuring strict confidentiality and data integrity. 

General Accounting & Finance Support 

• Support general ledger maintenance, month-end and year-end close activities. 

• Prepare reconciliations and balance sheet schedules related to payroll and benefits accounts. 

• Provide backup support for accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cashbook processes. 

• Contribute to financial reporting, audits, and process improvement initiatives. 

Cross-functional Work 

• Partner on system implementations, upgrades, and cross-functional Finance and HR projects. 

• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee and company information at all times. 

• Other duties as assigned.  

Core Leadership Expectations    

• Knows and acts in accordance with the mission, vision, and values of Grand Central Bakery in all parts of their job. 

• Works collaboratively with a team. Models and encourages respectful and professional channels of communication between teammates.  

• Delivers excellent customer service - follows the 3 steps to great service at all times and supports teammates in the same.  

• Maintains competencies and demonstrates continuous application of these skills throughout the period of employment.  

• Is committed to creating an anti-racist organization by actively opposing racism and promoting racial tolerance. Supports a culturally inclusive environment through the language and conduct of mutual respect and critical self-reflection. Understands company Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) concepts and is able to explain them to teammates.  

• Has a positive impact on teammates by setting behavior, work ethic, and work quality.  

• Knows and demonstrates efficient, correct, and safe work and procedures.  

• Contributes to the training of team members.  

• Coaches team members on the floor. 

• Follows all safety requirements, safety training, and instructions. 

• Notifies manager if they ever become aware of a potential hazard in the workplace.  

• Able to enter maintenance and safety tickets into FMX 

• Promptly reports all injuries, big or small, that are sustained while at work.  

• Maintains strict confidentiality at all times.  

• Cross trained to provide back-up for other members of the HR & Payroll team. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• 5+ years of hands-on payroll processing experience with ownership of end-to-end payroll cycles, including taxes, reconciliations, vendor payments, and payroll journal entries with at least 3+ years of experience in preparing journal entries, reconciling payroll and benefits accounts to the general ledger, and supporting month-end close activities.
• Experience using HRIS/HCM and payroll systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, Rippling, Oracle, or similar), including reporting, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Experience working in an accounting or ERP system (e.g., Restaurant 365, NetSuite, Sage, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, wage-and-hour laws, and benefits compliance requirements.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, formulas, and data analysis).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to investigate discrepancies, identify root causes, and implement practical solutions.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment when handling confidential payroll and employee information, with a solid understanding of data privacy and HR compliance requirements.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain payroll and benefits information to employees and managers.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities while maintaining accuracy in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Collaborative, service-oriented mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally with HR, Finance, IT, managers, and external vendors.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be able to add, subtract, and multiply with ease and accuracy
• Ability to read, write, and speak English (required); English/Spanish bilingual preferred
• Due to this position being located in a food production facility, the employee must maintain a valid Food Handler's Card at all times and follows health department guidelines.
• Must demonstrate regular attendance and punctuality.